NBA: Top 5 centers of all time

2. Bill Russell; 1956-1969, Boston Celtics

Career Averages: 15.1 ppg; 22.5 rebounds; 4.3 assists

Bill Russell is not considered to be the best center ever. He is considered to be “One of the best two”, the other one being his prominent rival, Wilt Chamberlain.

He was an incredible defender.However, during Russell and Wilt’s time, shots blocked and steals weren’t monitored but it’s safe to say that had it been monitored, he would have had big numbers in both.

Russell was never the key point of the Celtics’ offense, but he still managed 15+ PPG throughout his career. On offense, he used his quickness to score over bigger opponents.

Russell pulled down an incredible 22.5 rebounds per game over his 13 year career. He is the only other player apart from Chamberlain to have pulled down more than 50 rebounds in a single game. He pulled down 51 while Chamberlain holds the record of 55 rebounds in a single game.

His biggest accomplishment was probably his 11 NBA Championships in his 13 year career as a player. Incredible!

Russell was one of the most intense players with a “neurotic need to win”. He was so intense that he often through up in the locker rooms before key games. He was the complete center, an inspirational leader and the consummate winner.